IndyCar: Driver Power Rankings After Toronto

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AVONDALE, AZ – APRIL 28: Josef Newgarden, driver of the #2 Team Penske Chevrolet drives during practice for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

#4 through #1

#4. [Last Race: 4th (-)] — Simon Pagenaud has not been as flashy as he was last season en route to winning the 2016 IndyCar championship. However, he has about as good of a chance as anyone in the field to win the championship this season. Despite being winless on road and street courses and having won just one race through 12 races so far this season, Pagenaud has nine finishes in the top 5. Just imagine what will happen if he actually starts winning.. No. 1. Team Penske, Chevrolet. SIMON PAGENAUD

Team Penske, Chevrolet. HELIO CASTRONEVES. #3. [Last Race: 1st (-2)] — Helio Castroneves appeared to have the dominant car at Toronto, especially after his bold move to take the lead in the first turn after starting in 3rd place. But his chances at winning his second race in a row and second race since 2014 went down the drain when he was caught out by a caution flag early in the race. He was still able to muster up an 8th place finish, which ultimately allowed him to close in on Scott Dixon’s lead in the championship standings.. No. 3

[Last Race: 2nd (-)] — Scott Dixon continues to lead the championship standings, but that lead is dwindling, as he hasn’t finished higher than 8th place since his first win of the season at Road America. The reason he stays in 2nd place in these rankings is due to the fact that at Toronto, he made the most out of what was a bad situation. He was still able to finish in the top 10 for the 11th time in 12 races so far this season despite being involved in a first-lap crash with Will Power and incurring a penalty that sent him to the back of the field.. No. 9. Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda. SCOTT DIXON. #2

Next: IndyCar Team Power Rankings

#1. [Last Race: 6th (+5)] — Josef Newgarden is in 4th place in the championship standings, but the battle for the championship lead is so close that Newgarden has earned himself the #1 spot in these rankings since he is the most recent race winner. His win at Toronto also made him the third and most recent driver to reach two victories this season. In his first season with Team Penske, Newgarden has a legitimate chance to become an IndyCar champion with no clear favorite right now.. No. 2. Team Penske, Chevrolet. JOSEF NEWGARDEN